What are articles in English? Special cases of using articles in English

IN English language- unlike Russian, special words - articles - are widely used. The article and the rules for its use in English are presented below in examples to facilitate the perception of the necessary material. In English there are two articles: the definite the and uncertain a (an) . The article is generally placed only before nouns. The indefinite article applies exclusively to countable nouns in singular, and the definite article can be applied to various nouns in the singular and plural, regardless of whether they are countable or not.

First, let's remember in what cases the article is not used. The article is not used if the noun is preceded by (one, two, six, etc), a possessive or (this, that, my, our etc.), another noun in the possessive case (my father's, Mary's etc.), or the negation “no” (Not not!). Examples:

• My room is not big, but comfortable - My room is small but comfortable.
• There are two boys in the yard - there are two boys in the yard.
• I have no brother - I don’t have a brother.

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Note: if a noun in the possessive case functions as an adjective, the use of an article is possible, for example: Paul is a man's name (male name). Paula is a woman's name (female name). It's a children's bicycle(children bicycle).

The article is not used with uncountable nouns denoting an indefinite amount of substance or an abstract concept:

• I don’t like tea, I prefer coffee. — I don’t like tea, I prefer coffee ( Tea coffee- at all)
• Friendship is one of the most important things in my life. — Friendship is one of the most important things in my life (friendship is an abstract concept)

The article is not used with names of sports:

• I am fond of football, and my sister prefers badminton. — I love football, and my sister prefers badminton.

Also, the article is not used with proper names (except for some geographical names, which will be discussed below).

Indefinite article "a"

The indefinite article is “a” / “an” - this is not an independent article, but a form of the indefinite that is used before nouns that begin with a vowel sound: an apple, an orange.

• The forms a and an are remnants of the Old English word for "one", so indefinite article used only with singular nouns.

The indefinite article is used in the following cases:

• When the item is mentioned for the first time. For example, I live in a house.
• When designating a profession or occupation. For example, She is a teacher. My friend is a student.
• After: This is, That is, It is, There is. For example, This is a computer. There is a rose in the vase.
• If an adjective characterizing it is used with a noun, in such cases the article is placed before the adjective. Example: This is a flower. This is a red flower.
• Remember the use of the indefinite article in sentences of the following type

- What a beautiful color!
- What a tasty cake!
- What a good girl!

The definite article "the"

The definite article is used in the following cases:

• If we are talking about a specific subject that we have already talked about, or we understand from the context what we are talking about. For example, Yesterday I saw a film. The film was not interesting.
• With items that are one of a kind - Thesun, thewind, themoontheearth
• After . For example, There is a cat in front of the monitor.
• C – the smallest – the smallest, the quickest – the fastest
• C, for example: the first book, the fifth floor (BUT: if the ordinal number indicates a number, the article is not used: Lesson 7, Bus 15, page 45)
• With cardinal directions: In the north; in the south; in the east; in the west
• With the surname - if we are talking about the whole family - the Ivanovs - Ivanovs, the Smiths - Smiths
• In stable phrases: In the morning; in the evening; in the afternoon; to the cinema/theatre; to the shop/market; at the cinema/the theater; at the shop/the market

Definite article with geographical names

The definite article must be used with the following geographical names:

• seas - the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea
• oceans - the Pacific ocean
• rivers - the Voilga, the Nile
• channels – the English Channel
• bays, straits - the Gulf of Mexico, the Bosphorus Straits
• archipelagos - the Seichelles
• deserts - the Sahara, the Gobi
• mountain ranges - the Alps
• countries, if the name contains the word Republic, Federation, Kingdom, it is in the plural (t he Netherlands) or abbreviated as (the USA, the UK)

The article is not used with the names of countries, lakes, mountains (peaks), islands, cities, continents, streets, squares, airports. Exceptions:

• theGambia— Gambia,
• the Hague - The Hague

The definite article is also used with the names of hotels, cinemas, theaters, newspapers and magazines.

We have reflected the basic rules for using the article. There are many nuances, and the scope of one article does not allow mentioning everything. But we have prepared another video tutorial about some difficult cases article usage:

We hope that the above will help you understand articles in English and use them correctly in your speech, but do not forget that repetition is the mother of learning, do not be lazy to revise the rules as often as possible.

An article is a word that adds a shade of certainty or uncertainty to the meaning of a noun: “After the long conference, the mug of hot chocolate is especially good.” / “After a long conference, a mug of hot chocolate is especially good.” In the first case, we transmit information about a specific conference and a mug of hot chocolate. In the second, they formulated a general statement, implying that any mug will be in place after any long conference. English has several ways of conveying this certainty, or lack thereof. Let's take a closer look.

Definite article

Definite article ( definite article) is the English word " the" It seems to limit the semantic meaning of the noun. For example, your friend might ask: “Are you planning to visit the party this Monday? - “Are you planning to attend the party this Monday?” The definite article in English communicates that a friend is referring to a particular party that is well known about. The article “the” is used with plural and singular nouns, as well as with uncountable nouns. Below are some examples of the use of the definite article in context:

• Could you give me the screwdriver, please?- Could you give me a screwdriver, please?
• Give me the orange screwdriver, please. The green one is too big.- Give me an orange screwdriver, please. The green one is too big.
• Could you give me the chisel, please?- Could you give me a chisel, please?
• Could you give me the small chisel, please? That"s the only one convenient enough to make holes in this plank.- Could you please give me a small chisel? This is the only tool that is convenient for drilling holes in this board.
• Give me the screwdriver and the chisel then, please.- Give me a screwdriver and a chisel then, please.

Indefinite article

The indefinite article ( indefinite article) there are two main forms. Firstly, this is a service part of speech " a", preceding a word that begins with a consonant. Secondly, this is the article " an", used with a word that begins with a vowel. The indefinite article in English “a/an” indicates that the noun is used in a general sense rather than a specific one. For example, you ask a friend: “Should I take a present then? “Should I bring a gift then?” The friend understands that you are not asking about a specific type of gift or a specific item. "I would like to bring an almond cake “I would like to bring some almond cake.” Again, the indefinite article indicates that no particular almond cake is being referred to. Will he homemade or it will be bought at a local candy store, it doesn’t matter. The indefinite article is characterized by monogamy, so it can only be found with singular nouns. Consider the following examples of the indefinite article in context:

• Could you fetch me a smartphone, please? Any of them will be fine.- Could you please hand me a smartphone? Any of them will do.
• Gimme a bottle of wine real quick now, ok? Any is good.- Give me a bottle of wine quickly, okay? Any will do.

NOTA BENE: Uncountable nouns are nouns that are difficult or impossible to count. They include intangibles(information, air), liquids(beer, rum) and things, that are too large or numerous to count(equipment, sand, wood). Since these things cannot be taken into account, never use"a" or "an". Remember that the indefinite article in English is only for singular nouns. However, uncountable nouns can be used without problems with the word some.

"A" vs "an". Exceptions to use

There are a number of exceptions to the general rule of using the indefinite article before words that begin with a consonant and a vowel.

• The first letter of the word “honourable ["ɔn(ə)rəbl] - generous”, for example, the consonant “h”, however, it is silent (unpronounceable). Despite the spelling, the word “honourable” begins with vowel sound[ɔ]. That's why the choice of article falls on « an" Consider the example below for illustration:

WRONG
Thomas is a honorable person

RIGHT
Thomas is an honorable person

Translation: Thomas is a generous person.

• In the same way, when the first letter of a word vowel, But pronounced with a consonant sound, use " a", as in the example below:

WRONG
Elizabeth was an

RIGHT
Elizabeth was a United States prime minister.

Translation: Elizabeth was Prime Minister of the United States.

• Acronyms, initial abbreviations And reductions the first letters also obey this rule: a UK-based corporation, an HR management etc.

Zero article

Sometimes before some nouns the articles are omitted altogether. In these cases, the article is implied, but not actually present. This article is sometimes called zero ( zero article). Often there is no article before nouns that refer to abstract ideas. Look at the following examples:

WRONG
Let's have a dinner today.

RIGHT
Let's have dinner today.

Translation: Let's have dinner today.

WRONG
The enthusiasm is my strong point.

RIGHT
Enthusiasm is my strong point

Translation: Enthusiasm is my strong point.

Many languages ​​and nationalities are not preceded by an article:

WRONG
Mary is fluent in the Korean and the Japanese.

RIGHT
Mary is fluent in Korean and Japanese.

Translation: Mary speaks fluent Korean and Japanese.

Athletic activities, sports and academic subjects do not require an English article before them. For comparison, take a look at the offers below:

WRONG
Bobby is keen on the soccer.

RIGHT
Bobby is keen on soccer.

Translation: Bobby loves to play football.

WRONG
The literature isn't my favorite subject.

RIGHT
Literature isn't my favorite subject.

Translation: Literature is my least favorite subject.

Article + pronoun

Possessive pronouns help determine whether you are talking about a specific or indefinite subject. And although, as you already know, articles in English are used to indicate definiteness, nevertheless, if you use both a possessive pronoun and articles at the same time, the recipient will definitely be stunned. Possessive pronouns are words such as: my, his, her, its, their And our. Articles of the English language cannot be used in tandem with pronouns. " The" And " my” are not used together because both are intended for a similar purpose. The differences lie in the nuances of conveying the required meaning. Consider the following examples:

WRONG
Dexter is using the my tablet right now.

RIGHT
Dexter is using the tablet right now.

RIGHT
Dexter is using my tablet right now.

Translation: IN this moment Dexter uses (my) tablet.

Article + adjective

In most cases, the article determines not only the noun, but also the adjective that comes before it. Usual word order: article + adjective + noun. If you mean the indefinite article, then the choice is between “ a" And " an" is based on the letter that begins the word that follows it.

WRONG
What a interesting magazine!

RIGHT
What an interesting magazine!

Translation: What an interesting magazine!

WRONG
Merriam will cook an banana cupcake.

RIGHT
Merriam will cook a banana cupcake.

Translation: Merriam will make banana cake.

Set expressions with articles

• Useful phrases with definite articles in English.

• Useful phrases with indefinite articles in English.

• Useful phrases with the zero article

So, today your knowledge bank has been replenished with the rules for using articles in English. We hope that the article was useful and to your liking and, in the future, you will no longer experience discomfort when recognizing, and, most importantly, understanding the use of this or that article in various situations. You're welcome!

Big and friendly EnglishDom family

The article will be useful to those who want to understand the topic of setting articles in front of nationalities. I would advise you not to stupidly learn the rules, but to understand the nuances, and then you will not have difficulties with this issue. Here I have posted live examples from native speakers in which cases they use articles before nationalities and when they do not. I provided explanations everywhere. I also wrote, for those who don’t know which is correct: ‘American people’ or ‘Americans’.

Unlike the Russian language, in English, the names of nationalities are always written with a capital letter.

When the article is placed before nationalities - rules and examples

1. We use the article when we need to proudly say about our citizenship and belonging to a certain country or nationality:

He is Russian.
She is American.
We are English.

In English it will sound like this:

I am Russian. I'm a Russian.
She is American. She is an American.
We are English. We are the British.

Use the article to emphasize your nationality.
Native speakers themselves, in ordinary colloquial speech, speak about nationality without an article:

She is Canadian. She's Canadian.
He is Spanish. He's Spanish.

Alex is Russian. Alex is Russian.
I'm mostly Scottish. I'm more Scottish.
I met a nice guy. He is French. I met a nice guy. He is French.

For us, there is no difference in meaning and translation.
But to a foreigner, a very subtle difference is that to him it sounds more like a reference to cultural qualities or characteristics of a person. Those. in Russian we translate: “She is Canadian,” but a foreigner will understand this as: “She is of Canadian origin.”

On a note: In English, the designation of nationality without an article is used in informal communication. But the article is always used in formal communication. While you are a beginner, stick to the article version.

Another important point.

If you say to an American: He is American, this may be considered an insult to citizens of other countries in North, Central and South America.
Here it is better to say: He is from the US or it is easier to put an article, as in the example below.

Safe option: He is an American. He is American.

2. We put an article when a person’s marital status is mentioned:

She is married to an American. She is married to an American.
He is married to a Russian. He is married to a Russian.

She married an American. She married an American.
He married Kate. Not married Kate.

3. The article is used when there is a national designation of objects, objects, etc.:

Examples: Russian restaurant, Chinese shoes, Japanese food, American clothes.

He was a Russian gymnast. He was a Russian gymnast.
I had lunch in a Thai restaurant. I had lunch at a Thai restaurant.

Borscht is a predominantly Russian food. Borscht is predominantly a Russian food.

A European tour. European tour.

The Canadian embassy is in Moscow. The Canadian Embassy is located in Moscow.
That’s a typical American summer dinner. This is a typical American summer dinner.

We usually order Chinese/Japanese food.
We usually order Chinese/Japanese food.

The article is NOT used here.

4. The article - the - is used when talking about a specific group of people of a certain nationality:

Examples: Russians, Spaniards, Chinese, etc.

The Spaniards won the FIFA World Cup. The Spanish won the FIFA world cup.

Chinese people usually have dark hair, while Finns usually have fair hair.
The Chinese typically have dark hair, while the Finns typically have fair hair.

The Belgians I met were science students.
The Belgians I met were science students.

5. The placement of the article depends on the ending of the nationality.

Nationalities that end in -ian-ean- have an article.

Examples: an American, a Canadian, an Australian, a Russian.

He is an Italian. He's Italian.
She is an Egyptian. She is Egyptian.
I'm a Canadian. I am Canadian.

I'm an African. I am African.
A Mexican named Frida was an extraordinary artist.
A Mexican woman named Frida was an extraordinary artist.

BUT! if the nationality ends in -ish-ese- the article is NOT used!
It would be correct to say:

He is British. He is British/English.
She is Japanese. She's Japanese.
You are Dutch. You are Dutch.
I'm Chinese. I am Chinese.

In the plural, the above nationalities are written with the definite article - the -

The Brits. British/English.
The Japanese. Japanese.
The Dutch. Dutch.
The Chinese. Chinese.

6. We put the article when it is necessary to say: Muscovite, Parisian, New Yorker, Londoner, etc.

Examples: a Muscovite, a Parisian, a New Yorker, a Londoner..

In the plural, the article is NOT indicated.

Muscovites celebrate Maslenitsa. Muscovites celebrate Maslenitsa.
Why Londoners love London. Why Londoners love London.
New Yorkers are helpful and kind. New Yorkers are helpful and kind.

How to correctly:‘American people’ or ‘Americans’?

Correct to say: Americans.

When the article is not placed before nationalities - examples

1. The article is NOT used when there is a national designation for objects in the plural.

American movies are very popular in Russia. American movies very popular in Russia.

There are many Russian immigrants in the US. There are many Russian immigrants in the USA.

Different American regions have different accents. Different regions of America have different accents.

2. The article is NOT used when talking about the nation as a whole.

Americans are constantly working. Americans work all the time.
Australians like to eat eggs for breakfast. Australians love to eat scrambled eggs for breakfast.

People from Holland are nice. The Dutch are nice people.
Most Americans hate Trump. Most Americans hate Trump.

Americans speak English differently to the British. Americans speak English differently than the British.
Compared to Australians or Brits, we don’t speak that fast. Compared to Australians or Brits, we don't speak as fast.

The article - the - is used with nationalities ending in -sh, -ch, -ese, - ss

The Japanese are kind to people who visit their country.
The Japanese are kind to those who visit their country.

Why the Swiss are so good at banking?
Why are the Swiss so good at banking?

The Dutch aren't very proud of their language.
The Dutch are not very proud of their language.

The Chinese eat a lot of rice.
The Chinese eat a lot of rice.

3. The names of languages ​​are used without an article.

UK English = British English. British English.
US English = American English. American English.

Is Japanese hard to learn?
Is Japanese a difficult language to learn?

I sing in German, Latin, Russian, even Swedish and Hebrew.
I sing in German, Latin, Russian, even Swedish and Hebrew.

BUT! if the name of the language is indicated in full: English, French, etc., then the definite article -the- is required

The English language is constantly growing and changing. The English language is constantly growing and changing.
10 reasons I love the French language. 10 reasons why I love French.
The official Mexican language is Spanish. Official language Mexico - Spanish.

4. The article is NOT used when talking about countries.*

America is a continent, not a country. America is a continent, not a country.
Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world. Canada is the second largest country in the world.

I have several friends in Australia. I have several friends in Australia.
My cousin lives on Vancouver Island. My cousin lives on Vancouver Island.
I went to Peru for 6 months. I went to Peru for 6 months.

St. Petersburg is known as the Venice of Russia. St. Petersburg is known as the Venice of Russia.
In British Columbia we have much milder weather that the rest of Canada.
We have much milder weather in British Columbia than the rest of Canada.

* BUT!
Wonderful to swim in crystal clear water of the Maldives.
Wonderful to swim in the crystal clean water Maldives.

I didn't watch the US elections. I didn't watch the US elections.

5. The article is NOT used if we are talking about belonging to a group of people united by something in common:

Southern people speak slowly. Southerners speak slower.
Black people are funnier than white people. Blacks/black people are funnier than whites.

Why do Americans don’t like blacks? Why don't Americans like blacks?
Many Eastern Europeans speak English. Many people from Eastern Europe/Eastern Europeans speak English.

6. The article is NOT used when talking about belonging to a particular denomination.
Also, the word “people” is not added.

Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, etc. Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus...

Many Buddhists live in Asia. Many Buddhists live in Asia.
Christians celebrate Easter. Christians celebrate Easter.
Many Jews live in Israel. Many Jews live in Israel.
Hindus are often vegetarian. Hindus are often vegetarians.

BUT!
if we need to say: He is a Muslim, she is a Christian, He is a Jew, the article is placed - a-/the, depending on the context and the rules for using articles.

He is a Muslim. He is a Muslim.
She's not a Christian. She's not a Christian.
Is Mark Zuckerberg a Jew? Is Mark Zuckerberg Jewish?

I hope the topic was useful, but to consolidate the result, I suggest going through exercises on this topic.

Also, for those working on their accent, listen

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Indefinite article a/an in English (the indefinite article) has two forms:

a[ə] - used before consonants. That is, if a word begins with a consonant, use a:

a b ook, a t able, a m an a g irl a c computer, a t omato, a yacht [ jɒt], a unit[ ˈj uːnɪt]

an[ən] - used before vowels. That is, if a word begins with a vowel sound, use an:

an a pple, an e ngineer, an i dea, an o range an a nswer, an hour [ˈ aʊə(r)]

For example, the word hour starts with a vowel sound, so we use the article an (an hour), although the first letter in writing is a consonant h. Or, for example, the word yacht (yacht) written with a vowel y, but the consonant sound [j] is pronounced, so we choose a (a yacht). Using different forms of the same article helps make speech harmonious, easy, and natural. Try to pronounce an apple or an book, and you will feel how difficult and uncomfortable it is.

Remember:

a pen(pen), a story(story), a chair(chair), a child(child), a flower(flower)

If the noun is used in the plural form, then there is no indefinite article. The absence of an article before a noun is usually called the "zero article".

pens(pens), stories(stories), chairs(chairs), children(children), flowers(flowers)

When to use the indefinite article a/an

Below you will find a description of the main uses of the indefinite article a/an in English.

№1

Indefinite article a/an used when we first mention an object or person. In this case, we assume that our interlocutor does not know what or who exactly we are talking about.

Yesterday I bought a handbag. — Yesterday I bought a handbag.
Up until this point, I hadn’t even talked about how I was going to buy a bag. That is, I mention this for the first time (my interlocutor knows nothing about this bag), hence the indefinite article a/an.

If you continue to talk about this bag, then the noun handbag (bag) will already be used with the definite article the, since this time the interlocutor knows which specific bag we are talking about:

Yesterday I bought a handbag. The handbag is very beautiful. — Yesterday I bought a handbag. The handbag is very beautiful.

Although most often a personal pronoun is used instead of a noun, it sounds more natural and avoids repetition:

Yesterday I bought a handbag. It is very beautiful. — Yesterday I bought a handbag. She is very beautiful.

№2

Indefinite article a/an is used when we are not talking about a given (specific) object or person, but simply about any, some, one of a group of the same objects or people. In other words, when we talk about an object or person in general, without having a specific one in mind skirt, work, handle or dog:

I want to buy a skirt. — I want to buy a skirt. (some kind of skirt, I don’t know which one yet; I only know that I want a skirt, not a dress)
He refused to look for a job. — He refused to look for work. (some kind of work)
Give me a pen, please. - Give me a pen, please. (any, any)
It is a dog. - This is a dog. (some dog, any dog)

When we are not talking about a specific object or person, but about anyone, then further, if we need to re-designate it, we do not use personal pronouns or the definite article the. And again we use the indefinite article a/an or pronoun one.

She wants a car but he says they don’t need one. “She wants a car, but he says they don’t need it.”
or
She wants a car but he says they don’t need a car. — She wants a car, but he says they don’t need a car.
She wants to have a car (not a motorcycle, not a bicycle, but some kind of car, so a car), but he says that they don’t need a car (they don’t need any car at all, not just a specific one). Since in the second part of the sentence we are again talking about any / indefinite machine, we again use a car.

№3

Indefinite article a/an we also use it to describe or give any information about something that has already been mentioned earlier. In this case, an adjective is often used before the noun. Please note that although the article comes before an adjective, it refers to a noun:

It is a beautiful place. - This a nice place. (describe what this place is)
He is a clever boy. - He's a smart boy. (we characterize what kind of boy he is)
Do you live in a big house? — Do you live in big house? (we ask which house)

When we talk about a person’s profession or work, we also use the indefinite article a/an:

She is a teacher. - She is a teacher.
I am a doctor. - I am a doctor.

№4

Historically indefinite article a/an came from the numeral one (one). Hence the possibility in some cases to replace the article a/an numeral one. Such a replacement is possible when the article a/an essentially means "one". For example, this meaning of the indefinite article is observed in numerals a hundred (one hundred), a thousand (thousand), a million (million) and in the word a dozen (dozen) when they are used independently or before a noun:

This toy costs a thousand roubles. = This toy costs one thousan d roubles. — This toy costs a thousand rubles (one thousand rubles).
Give me a dozen, please. = Give me one dozen, please. - Give me a dozen, please (one dozen).

It is precisely with the origin from the numeral one (one) and the meaning of the singularity of the indefinite article is associated, which is especially evident when expressing measures of time, distance, weight or quantity:

This chocolate bar costs a dollar. — This chocolate bar costs a dollar. (=one dollar, we can replace a dollar on one dollar)
I'll call you in an hour. - I'll call you in an hour. (=in one hour, we can replace an hour on one hour)
Can I have a kilo of tomatoes, please? — Can I have a kilogram of tomatoes, please? (=one kilogram, we can replace a kilo on one kilo)

Please note that the numeral one instead of an article a/an should only be used when you want to emphasize that you are talking about just one thing or person, that is, when you want to be very precise:

I have got one sister. - I have one sister. (not two sisters, not three, but only one)
I have got a sister. - I have a sister. (in this case I just say that I have a sister)

The meaning of the singularity of the indefinite article can be seen in some stable phrases that convey the one-time action:

have a look- take a look
have a snack- have a snack
have a try- try, try
have a rest- relax
have a good time- have a good time
give a chance- give a chance
give a hint- hint
give a lift- give me a ride
make a mistake- make a mistake
play a trick- play a trick

№5

Indefinite article a/an also used when it is necessary to indicate the quantity per unit of measurement. For example, when we talk about the price of oranges per kilogram, the amount of wages per month, the number of classes per week, or the speed of a car per hour. A noun denoting this same unit of measurement will be used with the indefinite article.

The oranges were 80 rubles a kilo. — Oranges cost 80 rubles per kilogram.
She works 8 hours a day. — She works 8 hours a day.
I go to aerobics twice a week. — I go to aerobics twice a week.

№6

Indefinite article a/an can also be used with some uncountable abstract nouns (for example, humor - humor, hatred - hatred, anger - anger, magic - magic) in the case when they have an adjective with them. Typically, such use of the indefinite article is characteristic of book style and expresses the author’s desire to emphasize the individual, special character of this or that abstract concept.

Please note that in the above case, the use of the indefinite article is optional. If you do not want to highlight in a certain way the special character of any emotion, character trait, etc., the article a/an may not be used.

On a note

To learn to use the indefinite article a/an more or less automatically, try to form a rule in your head: use the indefinite article with singular countable nouns when there is no other reason for using the definite article the or some other determiner (possessive or indefinite pronoun).

Today we will talk about the rules for using articles in English. There is no such concept in Russian grammar, so this topic is considered one of the most difficult. But in our article we will try to clarify everything. Using clear examples, we will show when the definite article the is used, and in which cases the indefinite article a/an or the zero article is used.

General rules for using articles in English

Why do we need an article in English at all? Its main function is to indicate the definiteness or uncertainty of a noun. Therefore, there are two articles in English - the indefinite article a/an (indefinite article) and the definite article the (definite article). There is also such a thing as a zero article.

The choice of one of the articles is inextricably linked with:

• Indefinite article a/an is used with singular countable nouns.
• Definite article the can be used with countable nouns (regardless of their number) and with uncountable nouns.
• Zero article used with uncountable nouns or with plural countable nouns.

I heard a story(singular countable noun). - I heard history.
It is good advice(uncountable noun). - This one good advice.
I liked the films(plural countable noun). - I liked movies.

Students often make three common mistakes when choosing an article:

1. Use the indefinite article a/an with plural countable nouns:

   I'd like to buy a books. - I would like to buy books.

2. Use the indefinite article a/an with uncountable nouns:

   I love a modern furniture. - I love modern furniture.

3. Use singular countable nouns without articles:

   You should visit doctor a doctor. - You should go to doctor.
   Give this toy to dog the dog. - Give me this toy dog.

If a noun is used with an adjective, then the article is placed before the adjective.

It is a hot day. - Today hot day.
It is the hottest day of this week. - This hottest day for this week.

We do not use the articles a, an or the if the noun already has:

• (my - mine, his - his);
• (this - this, that - that);
• numeral (one - one, two - two).

This is my house. - This my house.
I have one sister. - I have one sister.

The main principle of choosing an article in English: we use the indefinite article a/an when we are not talking about a specific object, person or phenomenon, but about one of many. If we are talking about something or someone specific, we use the definite article the.

Articles are not translated into Russian, but if you try to translate according to their meaning, the indefinite article means “one”, the definite article means “this”, “that”.

I need a purse. - I need handbag. (just one handbag)
I need the purse I took yesterday. - I need handbag which I took yesterday. (that same, specific handbag)

Watch two video clips: the first is about any film, and the other is about a specific one:

To make it easier for you to remember the general rules for using articles in English, we suggest keeping our author’s diagram for yourself.

The indefinite article a/an in English

The choice of the indefinite article a or the indefinite article an depends on the sound with which the word following the article begins.

We put the article a, if the word begins with a consonant: a f ilm /ə fɪlm/ (film), a c ake /ə keɪk/ (pie), a p lace /ə pleɪs/ (place).

We put the article an, if the word begins with a vowel sound: an a rm /ən ɑːm/ (hand), an e gg /ən eɡ/ (egg), an i nteresting /ən ˈɪntrəstɪŋ/ book (interesting book).

note:

The words house (house) and hour (hour) begin with the letter h. In the word house /haʊs/ the first sound is a consonant, which means we put the article a - a house in front of it, and in the word hour /ˈaʊə(r)/ the first sound is a vowel, which means we choose the article an - an hour.

The words university (university) and umbrella (umbrella) begin with the letter u. In the word university /juːnɪˈvɜː(r)səti/ the first sound is a consonant, which means we need the article a - a university, and in the word umbrella /ʌmˈbrelə/ the first sound is a vowel, which means we use the article an - an umbrella.

In addition to the general rules, there are also special cases of using the indefinite article a/an:

1. When we classify someone or something, that is, we indicate which group, type, genus this someone or something belongs to.

   She's a nurse. - She works nurse.
   Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink. - “Coca-Cola” - non-alcoholic carbonated drink.

2. To indicate singularity when expressing measures of time, distance, weight, quantity, periodicity.

   Lemonade costs 2 dollars a liter. - Lemonade costs two dollars per ( one) liter.
   I drive at 50 kilometers an hour. - I drive at a speed of 50 kilometers in ( one) hour.
   I want a hundred roses. - Want one hundred (one hundred) roses

You will find more information on this topic in the article “The indefinite article in English".

The definite article the in English

In the general rules, we described the main cases of using the article the; now we will consider many special cases:

1. The definite article the is used with one-of-a-kind, exceptional objects: the sun (sun), the environment (environment), the internet (Internet).

   The adjective in: the tallest building (the tallest building), the best singer ( best singer), the most expensive car (the most expensive car).

   And thanks to the words only, same, first, objects also become unique: the same exam, the only person, the first time.

   Yuri Gagarin was the first person in space. - Yuri Gagarin was first person in space.

2. To describe or indicate a group of objects, a certain class as a whole, use the construction “the + singular countable noun.”

   The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world. - Cheetahs- the fastest animals in the world. (we are not talking about one cheetah, but about a species of animal)
   I play the piano. - I play on piano.
   I consider the telephone to be the most important invention. - I believe that telephone- this is the most important invention.

3. Also, when talking about a group of people, use the construction “the + adjective”. Please note that the verb in this case will be plural.

   For example: the young (youth), the poor (poor), the homeless (homeless).

   The young always argue with their parents. - The youth always argues with his parents.

   The same construction is used with adjectives that end in -ch, -sh, -ese, if all representatives of a nation are meant.

   For example: the French (French), the English (English), the Chinese (Chinese).

   The French are charming. - French people adorable.
   The Vietnamese are very hard-working. - Vietnamese very hardworking.

4. When referring to all family members as a group of people, use the definite article the and the plural surname: the Joneses.
5. The definite article the is often used with names:
   • buildings (hotels, cinemas, theaters, museums, galleries, restaurants, pubs) - the Plaza hotel, the Odeon, the Kremlin, the Red Lion pub a lion");
   • newspapers (the article is part of the name and is written with a capital letter) - The Times (the Times newspaper), The Guardian (the Guardian newspaper);
   • sporting events - the FIFA World Cup (World Cup);
   • historical periods and events - the Bronze Age ( bronze age), the Vietnam War (war in Vietnam);
   • famous ships and trains - the Mayflower (ship "Mayflower");
   • organizations, political parties, institutions - the Red Cross (Red Cross), the Democratic Party (Democratic Party);
   • with those names in which there is a preposition of - the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Leaning Tower of Pisa), the University of Cambridge (Cambridge University)
6. The definite article the is also used with some geographical names:
   • with countries that contain the words states (states), kingdom (kingdom), federation (federation), republic (republic), emirates (emirates) in their names - the United States of America (United States of America), the United Kingdom (Great Britain) , the Dominican Republic (Dominican Republic), the Russian Federation (Russian Federation);
   • with the names of rivers, seas, canals, oceans, deserts, groups of islands, chains of mountains: the Amazon, the Maldives, the Black Sea, the Sahara, the Panama Canal ).
7. With the words theater (theatre), cinema (cinema), radio (radio), when we talk about pastime.

   I often go to the cinema with my friends. - I often go to movie with friends.

Zero article in English

In English there are nouns with which the article is not used; such an article is called zero.

The article is not used in the following cases:

1. With uncountable nouns that denote food, substances, liquids, gases and abstract concepts.

   I don't eat rice. - I do not eat rice.

2. With plural countable nouns, we talk about something in general.

   Wolves are predators. - Wolves- predators. (all wolves)

3. With names and surnames of people.

   James likes golf. - James loves golf.

4. With titles, ranks and forms of address, followed by the name - Queen Victoria (Queen Victoria), Mr Smith (Mr. Smith).
5. With the names of continents, countries, cities, streets, squares, bridges, parks, isolated mountains, individual islands, lakes.

   He went to Australia. - He went to Australia.

6. With names of pubs, restaurants, shops, banks and hotels that have a last name or first name that ends in -s or -"s - McDonald's, Harrods.
7. With the names of sports, games, days of the week, months, meals, with the word TV (television).

   Let's meet on Thursday and watch TV. - Let's meet at Thursday and we'll see TV.
   I don't play football in February. - I don't play football V February.

8. With the words church (church), college (college), court (court), hospital (hospital), prison (prison), school (school), university (university), when we talk about them in general as public institutions. However, if we mean a building, we use the definite article the or the indefinite article a/an depending on the context.

   Noah is at school. - Noah in school. (He's a student)
   His mother is at the school on a parents’ meeting. - His mother is in school at the parent meeting. (she came to a certain school building)

9. In some fixed expressions, for example:
   • go to bed / be in bed;
   • go to work / be at work / start work / finish work;
   • go home / come home / arrive home / get home / be at home;
   • go to sea / be at sea.

   My husband is a night-watchman, so he goes to work when I go home. - My husband is a night watchman, that's why he he's going to work, when I I am going home.
   Did you go to sea while I was in bed? - You went to the sea, while I was in bed?

10. When describing a method of transportation with the preposition by: by bus (by bus), by car (by car), by plane (by plane), by foot (on foot).

Finally, we suggest you take our test to consolidate new material.

Test for the use of articles in English

If you think that the meaning of speech will be clear without using articles in English, you are right. They will understand you, but for native speakers it will sound about the same as for us the speech of foreigners without genders and cases: “I want water,” “My car is fast.” If you want to speak English fluently and fluently, we recommend that you save this article.

Please note that we have given the basic rules for using articles in English. In addition to them, there are many more nuances, exceptions and special cases that students with a level and above study.